Checkout Lane: Pool upkeep saves money in long run

Monday

A swimming pool is almost like a member of your family. It needs to be fed and cleaned, and it needs regular attention.

A swimming pool is almost like a member of your family. It needs to be fed and cleaned, and it needs regular attention.

“Not doing those things will be bad for you,” said Jim Stone, owner of Sunshine Pool Co. in Pembroke, Mass. “And it will cost you more money.”

Stone said one of the best ways to save money is to keep up with pool maintenance. Once a week, owners should check the pH and chlorine levels in the pool and make sure the filter and pump are working properly.

Larger buckets of chemicals are usually the best bang for your buck, he said. Sunshine Pool Co. carries chlorine with borate in it, which allows customers to use about 30 percent less of the chemical than they would with regular chlorine. And “it’s got a better sparkle and nicer feel,” he said.

Many people try to save on their electricity bills by running the pool motor less often, but that tactic doesn’t work, Stone said. The motor should run for at least 12 hours each day while the sun is out, and longer if it’s very hot out or many people are using the pool. If the filter isn’t running and pushing chemicals through the system, problems will develop, Stone said.

Understanding how your pool works is also helpful in keeping up with maintenance – and it can save you money if something does go wrong. Pool maintenance businesses often charge less when customers bring in faulty pieces of equipment themselves rather than asking for someone to come out to their home to fix it.

“We spend a lot of time troubleshooting with people over the phone,” Stone said. “I don’t mind telling somebody how to fix something themselves.”

Patriot Ledger writer Julie Onufrak may be reached at jonufrak@ledger.com.

POOL MAINTENANCE TIPS

Circulation: Pool water must be circulated for maximum sanitizer effectiveness. The more your water is in motion, the harder it is for bacteria and algae to take hold. Debris is captured by your filter, too. The best time to circulate the water is during the day, for a minimum of 12 hours.

Filtration: The filter is one of your most important pieces of equipment. It removes both visible debris and most microscopic matter. Generally, a filter should be backwashed (the removal of material trapped on or in the filter media) when the water pressure in the filter reaches 10 or more pounds above normal. (Check manufacturer’s guidelines.)

Cleaning: Some swimming pools have areas with little or no circulation. This is where algae and bacteria can begin to grow. At least once a week, the walls and floor should be brushed and vacuumed to remove debris that the filter misses. Brushing is a must, even if you use an automatic pool cleaner.

Source: www.sunshinepoolcompany.com

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.